Britain's National Bee Unit will hold a meeting after it is revealed millions
of deadly hornets could wing their way across the Channel

Millions of huge killer hornets which eat bees and have caused the deaths of six people in France, could be heading to Britain because of the warm Spring, experts have warned.

Asian hornets, which are around 3cm long, are far more vicious than smaller varieties and carry a much more powerful sting.

Six people have already died from anaphylactic shock after being stung by the insects which originally come from China but have spread across the world.

Next month the Department of Environment’s National Bee Unit is to meet in Suffolk for a seminar on how to tackle the predators, which can devour up to 50 honey bees a day.

UK beekeepers have been sent email alerts by Defra asking them to be on the look-out for the menaces. Members of the public are being urged not to approach nests, which are usually found high in trees or on the sides of buildings.

Most people die after disturbing a nest and being stung multiple times, which can cause those with allergies to suffer a fatal reaction.

One victim was a 54-year-old man who died after he disturbed a nest and was attacked by a swarm in the Loire Valley.

Carolyne Liston, chairwoman of the Norfolk Beekeepers' Association, said Asian hornets are thought to have arrived in France after hiding away in a consignment of pottery imported from China in 2004.

"They are a very, very aggressive predator" she warned, “They wait by the entrance and grab foraging bees as they come back into the hive.

"They can absolutely decimate bee colonies.

"We are concerned they are going to come into Britain on someone's caravan who has been travelling in France."

The Animal Health Veterinary Laboratories Agency is on standby to kill the hornets using special chemicals.

A Defra Spokesperson said: “There have been no confirmed sightings of Asian hornets in the UK. We are aware of the potential impacts they could have on honey bees and have plans in place to remove them if they are identified. This includes comprehensive monitoring and teams ready to destroy any confirmed nests.”

Experts say the UK's recent hot summers provide the perfect climate for the creatures to thrive.

April is on course to be one of the hottest in a century in the South of England as temperatures reached 25C in Kent on Wednesday.

An Asian hornet

The Met Office said more hot air from Spain will arrive this week, warming up the chilly conditions experienced by many areas over the weekend. Temperatures could reach 23C by Wednesday.

The South and West will be warmest while the cloudier East coast will be cooler with easterly breezes. The North and Scotland are due 18C.

The Met Office the settled spell would last until the weekend, when breezier conditions are due.

The Asian Hornet, or Vespa velutina is an invasive species from Asia and was first spotted in Bordeaux, France, in 2005 and is now spreading rapidly.

It is a highly effective predator of insects, including honey bees and can cause significant losses to bee colonies

Although it is not yet present in the UK, it is considered likely to arrive soon, possibly across the channel from France or accidentally imported in pot plants, cut flowers, fruit and timber.

It is active between April and November.

Queens can be up to 3cm in length and workers around 2.5cm.

Entirely dark brown or black velvety body, bordered with a fine yellow band. It has a black head with orange-yellow face

The Asian Hornet is a day flying species which, unlike the European hornet, ceases activity at dusk. It nests in tall trees in urban and rural areas, and nests can also be found in sheds, garages, under decking or in holes in the wall or ground.

An Asian Hornet's sting is thought to be no more painful than that of a British hornet to humans